Arbitration deadline not significant for Braves

Major league teams have until Monday to offer arbitration to their players who became free agents if they want to get compensation for Type A or Type B free agents who sign with other teams. The deadline doesn’t have much relevance this year for the Braves, who have only classified free agent, John Smoltz.

The 41-year-old pitcher, a Type B free agent, is recovering from shoulder surgery and believes he’ll pitch in 2009. If Smoltz returns the Braves want him back at a salary far lower than the $14 million he made in 2008. Players who accept arbitration can’t have their previous salary cut by more than 20 percent.

The Braves’ other free agents include starting pitchers Tom Glavine, Mike Hampton, Will Ohman, Julian Tavarez, Elmer Dessens and Jorge Julio, and pinch-hitter Greg Norton. Glavine is recovering from elbow and shoulder surgeries and hasn’t determined if he’ll pitch again. The Braves are among numerous teams involved in contract discussions with Hampton, Ohman and Norton.